When a car sells over 350,000 units during just one model year, there are still a lot of them remaining even after almost five decades, making it unrealistic to suggest that a particular example could be the nicest one left. However, it seems fair to say that this 1976 Chevrolet Monte Carlo is at least among the finest Colonnades I’ve seen in a while. The seller here is looking to downsize, and while it’s a hard decision, he’s chosen to find this beauty a new home. This one’s in Littlefork, Minnesota, and can be found here on Facebook Marketplace, with the asking price of $19,900 not sounding unreasonable. T.J., thanks a lot for providing another excellent tip here!
The Monte Carlo set a new production record in ’76, as demand for personal luxury coupes remained high in the mid-seventies. Not much was changed outside from the previous year, though the taillights were smoothed out and reshaped a bit. However, the most noticeable change was up front. Four rectangular headlights replaced the two round units, giving the MC a more modern appearance. The panels here remain exceptionally straight, with hardly a flaw anywhere in the paint that I could spot. One tiny detail is the protective side molding on the driver’s door, which appears to have the insert detached in a small area. I’m guessing a few drops of your favorite adhesive will solve this issue in no time.
454-power was still an option on the Monte Carlo through ’75, but unfortunately, it was no longer available by 1976. The 400 V8 was now the best engine that could be had, and that’s what’s under the hood here, with only 47,000 actual miles of operation. The seller reports that this Chevy runs and drives excellently, and he’s confident it’s still reliable enough to be driven anywhere. However, I’d probably stick with mostly local cruising instead of long trips, to try and keep the numbers on the ticker as low as possible.
The interior is described as being in remarkable condition, and while that certainly sets the expectations high, most of the inside components seem to live up to that standard. It’s also a treat to find the console and front bucket seats, both with the swivel feature, adding an extra element of cool to this already desirable coupe. I’m thinking preservation is the key here, as there’s very little that needs improving, inside or out. Any thoughts to share about this 1976 Chevrolet Monte Carlo?
Nice car!!! Hope it finds a good home!
It only cost $5,000 new and this is not a collector car.
It is to someone that wants to collect it.
How much a car cost new is irrelevant. $5000 in 1976 is also about $30k in 2025 dollars. Some people just have to say something negative. Intelligent.
IMHO. The rectangular headlamps ruined the front end. Always preferred the look of the ’73. Paid $500 for my ’75, that was basically in the same shape as this one, body wise. Of course, this was back in ’95, when we were shocked that a basic economy car cost almost $10,000. Ain’t “progress” great?
Had a ‘76 but it had the smaller engine so it wasn’t peppy but it was a nice cruiser. This one would be more desirable if it was the Landau trim with the turbine wheels which look better than the rally’s. Be cautious of low mileage claims on GM cars of this era. You’ll notice the cruise control module on top of the drivers side fender well. It takes about 30 seconds to unscrew the speedometer (and odometer) cable to keep mileage low. Don’t ask how I know this.
I always thought the speedometer cable on CC equipped GMs to be a bit of engineering flaw myself.
nice looking and love the interior color with the seats. needs a set of pinstripe w/w tires
Love it, we had the same setup growing up except it was Aztec bronze. Bought new, this was my driver in high school!
My parents drove one like this when I was a kid
Bought a 76 Monte, with swivel buckets in 1982 for $1,800. Had 99,000 miles, rust, but needed a car. 305 V8. Put on two new GM fenders and one quarter panel, Yes, you could buy them from any GM dealer then. Painted the car, maintained it and drove it another 100,000 miles with very few problems. Gave it to my brother in 1991. He had it a while and the transmission finally gave out. Great cars, just very hard on gas due to weight. I love this car, but it’s far too much money.
I had a 76 with the 400 in it, talk about a GAS HOG & no pep. But she rode like a Baby buggy
Slap a set of Cragar S/S mags, big fat tires on the back (N50’s) and Hijacker air shocks on the back and you would be good to go!